Thirteen players - including seven starters on UNC's star-studded defense - remained in Chapel Hill on Friday night as the 18th-ranked Tar Heels prepared for their season opener in Atlanta.

The school said six were ineligible for the LSU game for breaking school and/or NCAA rules. Seven more were held out as investigations continue into possible academic misconduct and inappropriate contact with pro agents.

Williams said he is watching carefully.

“I’m still trying to see what’s going to happen,” Williams said. “My family is trying to see what’s best for us. If they go on probation, I’d have to decommit, but if they don’t go, I’m going to be a Tar Heel."

Williams, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior, has thrown for 13 touchdowns, leading his team to a 3-0 record and a school-best No. 3 Observer Sweet 16 ranking. Mallard Creek has outscored opponents 161-6.

And Williams said the North Carolina situation does cause him some pause.

“To be honest, I’m not worried about it right now," he said. "But sometimes it does worry me. It’s like, if something happens, where will I play next year? Will I find the right place for me? So it does come to my mind, but I’m trying to finish my high school career out.”

Scout.com, a national recruiting website, ranks Williams No. 13 at his position nationally. Williams chose the Tar Heels over Michigan and Virginia Tech. He also received scholarship offers from Boston College, East Carolina, Florida, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Louisville, NC State, Notre Dame, South Florida, Syracuse, UCLA and Wake Forest.

The Mallard Creek assistant being investigated for recruiting needs to be put on permanent probation. The texts and voicemails are proof in the pudding. Come on Ms. Hamilton..... Could she be waiting until October so they will have to forfeit the season. If you let them slide, let evryone slide.